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K-3rd grade continue learning experience

Registration is still open to students

By Matt Robinson

For the Headlight

Posted:
07/15/2013 04:43:12 PM MDT

Parents with children in grades kindergarten through third grade who wish for their young students to continue learning over the summer break in a safe, fun and enriching environment should look no further than Deming Public School's K-3 Plus program.

The program, designed to give students in Kindergarten through third grade 25 additional extra days of instruction, already began on June 18, but registration is still open and school officials strongly encourage parents to visit their child's elementary school to begin participation.

"Deming Public Schools is serious about raising test scores for all students, particularly children in elementary school who can use the extended learning opportunities as a foundation of education for the rest of their lives," Dana Irby, Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services, said. "Through the support of the New Mexico Legislature and the dedication of our caring teachers, we are able to offer this extended opportunity for local children."

The extended school year is funded with $850,000 from the Legislature, for which DPS applied to provide students with more access to English, Math, Science, Social Studies and computer skills. The K-3 Plus program also gives students a full day at school with access to health, busing to and from school and breakfast and lunch. All of the education and fun is offered to students at no charge.

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"This is a major effort by our staff and participating families to raise test scores across the board," Harvielee Moore, DPS Superintendent, explained. "In K-3 Plus, students have access to certified teachers in every classroom who are able to teach smaller groups than in the typical school year. We feel this creates an enjoyable and challenging work environment for students."

Every elementary school in the district participates and all elementary students are eligible to participate. The student's parent or guardian simply has to visit the front office at the child's school to register. If you wish to take advantage of busing, simply register your child and then visit DPS Transportation Department off Florida St. behind Deming High School. Currently, 493 students are participating in the program, which runs through July 25. Even if your student is registering late, he or she will still have access to extended learning opportunities.

Students attending Columbus Elementary School will begin their K-3 Plus 25-day program on July 18.

The program is similar to a smaller project currently ongoing within DPS. Chaparral and Memorial Elementary Schools have been chosen to participate in a research project held by Utah State University to test a "Smart Start K-3 Plus" model. Twenty first grade students at each school have been selected to participate in the program, which will run for four years to measure the return on investment for the K-3 Plus model. It began on June 18 and will give students participating 100 days of additional instruction over the four year period. Seven districts around the state were chosen to participate in this project.

For more information on either program, contact Dana Irby at (575) 546-8841.